Wanted: 4 Blade Prop Recommendations for a Bayliner 185-gctid395966

[Guest]

I originally posted this in the technical thread, but can't figure out how to move it. So, I apologize for the repost...

I have a 2006 Bayliner 185 with a 4.3 Mercruiser/Alpha and SmartTabs.

My 3 blade prop recently got hosed and I would like to potentially replace it with a 4 blade prop, and get the original fixed to keep as a back-up. My boating activities are all over the board, but would likely benefit for some additional low speed control as well as faster hole shots when I am pulling people -- even if I lose one or two MPH off the top end.

It's difficult to determine a good prop, pitch, etc., even after reading prop sites and searching the threads here.

Does anyone have any recommendations for props that work well for my configuration, as well as their size / pitch? Or, if there are existing threads, point me to the right place?

Thanks in advance!

[Guest]

What is your current prop? 14.25x21? If so then I'd take a look at the Solas Amita 4 blade in a 14.25x19

[Guest]

I've got a 195 with a 4.3 MPI. I bought it last year with a 4 blade Michigan Wheel Apollo SS 20 pitch. We use the boat for water skiing most of the time and I found the 20 struggled to pull skiers out of the hole. I recently switched to the same prop in a 18 pitch and am much happier with the performance however it did shave about 5 mph off the top end.

I purchased a Michigan Wheel SS Apollo XHS 993204 14-3/8 18 Pitch from Deep Blue Yacht Supply http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com and was very happy with the $276 total cost and service. Just make sure you also buy their hub adaper kit. I didn't as I already had a Michigan Wheel prop on my boat.

Determining pitch really all depends on what you use the boat for.

[Guest]

I only have the 3.0l but I use the turning point hustler 4 blade props, the hole shot and trimming is the best out of any I have tried. Incredible props for usually under $100 if you shop around. With 600lbs on board I can trim further than by myself with mercruiser 3 blade prop. I also have smart tabs and those are worth every penny.

[Guest]

oldjeep wrote:
What is your current prop? 14.25x21? If so then I'd take a look at the Solas Amita 4 blade in a 14.25x19

If you're running a 21, I'd second this choice as economical and performance worthy. Always highly rated. Check out Hustler marine on Ebay. decent prices.

[Guest]

Overton's/Gander and iboats are cheaper....

[Guest]

Depends on the day of the week as for which place is cheaper iBoats had a cheap price but expensive shipping. Overtons was cheapest when I bought the first one and First Choice Marine was cheaper when I bought the 2nd. Both arrived within 4 days of ordering them.

[Guest]

true, you always have to check the day you want to order.... Currently http://www.boatownersworld.com is the cheapest for the 1513-143-19 (14.25"x19p) but tomorrow it may be someone else. The only ones not changing much are the "high price places". To be honest, I'd rather buy local to keep these businesses alive but they really make it difficult. No selection and quite often a lot more (>50%) expensive.

[Guest]

I ran a mercury alpha 4 14x20 on my 3.0 and it sucked. A three blade 19 was better all around prop.

[Guest]

jf185br wrote:
I ran a mercury alpha 4 14x20 on my 3.0 and it sucked. A three blade 19 was better all around prop.

What were your issues with it?

And a 3 blade 19 is equivilent to a 4 blade 18 pitch, so it is not really a relevant comparison.

[Guest]

Firstly, let me start by saying that we mostly use our boat for skiing.

Mainly single slalom, 2 doubles skiers, tube runs and occasional bare footing.

So I was looking for great hole shot.

Tried a 4 blade s/s 14 x 21 solas - hole shot was average, great top end speed(which I didn't need)

4 blade 14 x 20 solas - better hole shot

4 blade 14 x 19 solas - good hole shot

5 blade s/s 13.5 x 19 high five - excellent hole shot, top end has suffered but that's OK for me.

[Guest]

oldjeep wrote:
What were your issues with it?

And a 3 blade 19 is equivilent to a 4 blade 18 pitch, so it is not really a relevant comparison.

The 4 blade 20 should compare to a 3 blade 19, The rule is having a 4 blade drops an inch of pitch. I expected a much improved hole shot over the stock 3 blade 19 and better turning without losing too much from the top end.

The hole shot was not near as good as the 3 blade 19, top end suffered worse the the 3 blade 19. I really thought the 4 blade 20 would be the best all around prop for cruising, water sports, heavy loads: it was not in my experience. I have found the 3 blade 19 to get me out of the whole better, handle loads better and i can pull two skiers up.

I damaged that 4 blade prop and replaced it with the 3 blade 19 and haven't missed it at all.

[Guest]

jf185br wrote:
The 4 blade 20 should compare to a 3 blade 19, The rule is having a 4 blade drops an inch of pitch.

You got that backwards.

A 3 Blade 19 compares to a 4 Blade 18

[Guest]

Danny wrote:
Firstly, let me start by saying that we mostly use our boat for skiing.

Mainly single slalom, 2 doubles skiers, tube runs and occasional bare footing.

So I was looking for great hole shot.

Tried a 4 blade s/s 14 x 21 solas - hole shot was average, great top end speed(which I didn't need)

4 blade 14 x 20 solas - better hole shot

4 blade 14 x 19 solas - good hole shot

5 blade s/s 13.5 x 19 high five - excellent hole shot, top end has suffered but that's OK for me.

I'm running a 3 blade 21' SS and love it. Iv'e had no problem pulling skiers out of the water, 4 tubes no problem and has a great top end (55MPH)

I used to have a 19 3 blade Merc but was finding that I would hit the rev limiter at WOT, has anyone else had this issue and do you fix by adjusting the WOT screw on the Carb?

[Guest]

oldjeep wrote:
You got that backwards.

A 3 Blade 19 compares to a 4 Blade 18

I'll try to explain my thought. My goal was to go to a 4 blade 20 to keep near the top speed of a 3 blade 21 while gaining the hole shot of a 3 blade 19. The best of both world was what I was looking for.

I'm looking at hole shot, a 4 blade 20 should have a comparable hole shot to a 3 blade 19.

I could be wrong ......